A century on from his salad days, there is still some confusion over where Alby Bahr played in his 11 outstanding seasons with Norwood. He is variously remembered as a cool and skilful forward, a backman and a follower. Perhaps Alby was simply a very versatile footballer for his time, adept all over the ground.

In the 1904 premiership decider against Port Adelaide, Alby was named at centre half-back. That must be right. For most of the match the ball sailed over his head, until at lemon time his team was down by 35 points. Early in the last quarter, Alby collided with Selby of the Ports, then crossed the centreline and drove the ball forward for one of the Miller boys to goal. Selby was carted off. As the rule was then, Port was left a man short, and Norwood went on to snatch one of its most famous flags.

For Alby, the pleasure probably was only exceeded later by Norwood’s 1907 title, when he was captain. Then he emulated Topsy Waldron by leading the club to its second Champions of Australia crown inside 20 years, this time against Carlton. Next year he was SA’s fi rst carnival captain. Alby was a great Norwood player, and a great Norwood character.

Games: 133 Premierships: 1904, 1907
Premiership captain: 1907 Captain: 1907 - 10
Playing coach: 1911 Captain-coach: 1912
Club champion: 1904, 1908
Further honours: Norwood Player Life Member, Norwood Team of the Century, SANFL Hall of Fame, Champions of Australia captain 1907, SA captain 1908, SA games 8.

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